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Medically reviewed by Dr Jerry Jesin — By Andrea Galick

Why a Regular Dental Check Up is Important

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When was the last time you had a dental check-up? How about the other members of the family? Do the kids understand the importance of having dental exams every year? Now is a great time to remind yourself and the family why regular checkups are so important. Here are some examples to help you get started.

Protecting Your Teeth and Gums

Any kind of dental check-up is focused on protecting your teeth from conditions that could weaken or otherwise damage them. That includes examining the gums and the bones that support your teeth. Keeping up with your oral health is essential if you want to avoid pain and ensure your teeth look their best. See that dental check up in Toronto, Ontario as one of the key strategies in protecting your teeth and gums from all sorts of potential problems.

Removing Plaque and Tartar

Even when you brush after every meal, it’s easy for plaque and tartar to collect on and in between teeth. Did you know that one of the things that happens during a typical dental check-up is that your teeth get quick cleaning and polishing? The cleaning helps to make it easier for the dentist to check your teeth and determine if there’s any developing condition that needs attention. As a bonus, the quick cleaning allows you to leave the dental clinic with a mouth that feels fresher than it has in some time.

Spotting Minor Issues and Taking Corrective Measures

The visual check that your North York dentist performs is often enough to determine if there is any problem that needs attention now. For example, the examination makes it possible to spot the development of a small amount of decay on any of the teeth. Instead of allowing more decay to develop, the dentist can often deal with it on the spot or set up an appointment in the near future.

You’ll find that the dental check up cost is more than justified by finding and correcting minor dental issues before they have the chance to do more damage. Compare the expense of a dental check up procedure with what it would take to deal with a worse issue one or two years from now. Along with the reduced expense, you are also more likely to be able to save the tooth by taking action now.

Checking For Issues Under the Surface

It’s not just what the dentist can see by examining the exterior of the teeth and gums. The dental check-up will also include taking a set of X-rays. They will help determine if there are any signs of issued developing that are not yet causing pain or other outward signs.

Those X-rays can spot infections around tooth roots, any oddities about the bones, problems with bone density, and other issues that would threaten your dental health in the future. Based on what is found on those X-rays, corrective measures can get underway immediately.

Avoiding Dental Issues That Could Cause Other Health Problems

Did you know that problems with the teeth and gums can increase the risk of developing health problems in other parts of the body? Choosing to undergo a checkup can help minimize the possibility of developing another health issue or prevent complications with an existing one. This is especially important for people with chronic illnesses that they must manage on a regular basis. The findings of the dentist could provide some valuable clues in how to safeguard your health to a greater degree.

Even with temporary conditions, you do want to have a checkup. For example, getting a dental check up while pregnant is a smart move. If there’s some type of gum infection present, prompt treatment will minimize the risk to the baby. That certainly makes the time and effort put into schedule and keeping the appointment worth it.

Correcting Bad Dental Hygiene Habits

You brush after meals, but have you gotten a little casual with the process? Perhaps you rush through brushing and don’t take as long as you should. Maybe you don’t get around to changing to a new toothbrush as often as recommended. One of the nice things about a dental check-up is that the dentist will ask you about these and other aspects of your dental care routine. That provides the opportunity to determine if there are some things that need to change.

If you’ve developed a bad habit or two, don’t feel alone. Most people will stray a little in their home dental care from time to time. See those annual exams as a great way to be reminded of how to brush evenly, how long you should be brushing, and even how to use floss correctly.

Asking Questions Related to Your Dental Health

Dental professionals have lots of helpful information to share. Even as they are asking you some questions, it never hurts to ask a few of your own. Do you really know how to choose a toothbrush with the best bristles for you? The dentist will have an answer. How about the kids? Do you know when the time is right to schedule a dental check up for toddlers in your home? You can bet the dental professional can help you with that. From selecting toothpaste with the right ingredients to quick tips on how to find the right type of dental floss, your dental check-up is a great time to get some answers.

Having Your Teeth and Gums Checked Before Surgery

Did you know that it’s a smart move to have a dental check up before surgery? Doing so ensures there is no oral condition that could complicate that surgery. If there is a problem, find out if a couple of quick treatments will take care of the issue.

Enjoying Peace of Mind

Suppose you have a dental check-up and everything is fine. Does that mean you wasted the time and money? Not at all! At the very least, you will walk out of the dental clinic knowing your teeth and gums are in top condition. That’s bound to give you a little more peace of mind, and who wouldn’t like that?

When was the last time you had a full dental check-up? If you’re having trouble remembering, take that as a sign to schedule one today.It’s worth the time, the effort, and the cost.

Andrea Galick

Andrea Galick is an accomplished Dental Hygienist (RDH) with a passion for helping patients achieve optimal oral health. Andrea has built a reputation as a caring and skilled practitioner who puts her patients at ease and provides individualized care that meets their unique needs.

416-800-1581

North York Smile Centre
5 Park Home Ave #130,
North York,
ON M2N 6L4